Buyun Zhao![]() University positionInvestigator Scientist DepartmentsDepartment of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience InstitutesMedical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Research ThemesInterestsThe ultimate function of the nervous system is to facilitate survival. To accomplish this task in a dynamically changing environment, the animal's behavioural strategies must alter accordingly given its context. One of the fundamental basis of this change is neuromodulation. Using the well characterised nervous system of C. elegans, I am investigating how sensory inputs can elicit these changes both at the cellular level and at the molecular level. In addition, I am also interested in novel molecules involved with sensory transduction. Within the genome, there are still hundreds of highly conserved genes that remain to be characterised. Amongst this collection, many are specifically enriched in neurons and have completely unknown function. These genes may have key biological functions in all nervous systems. I am currently exploring some of these genes for their role in sensory transduction. Research Focus
EquipmentBehavioural analysis Calcium imaging Cell culture Computational modelling Confocal microscopy Fluorescence microscopy Immunohistochemistry Intracellular recording Microscopy Whole cell patch clamp CollaboratorsNo collaborators listed Associated News ItemsPublications2014Rabinowitch I, Chatzigeorgiou M, Zhao B, Treinin M, Schafer WR (2014), “Rewiring neural circuits by the insertion of ectopic electrical synapses in transgenic C. elegans.” Nat Commun 5:4442 Details 2013Zhao B, Schafer WR (2013), “Neuropeptide signaling: from the gut.” Curr Biol 23(11):R481-3 Details 2012Zhao, B (2012), “The Source of Our Morality” Science Vol. 337 no. 6098 p. 1042 |